Blimey. Is it that time again already? May Day is fast approaching, and that means it’s time for us to emerge blinking into the sunlight for another season of shanties, all in aid of the RNLI.
This year’s season starts at 7.30pm on Monday 4 May.
As ever, you’ll hear loads of favourites and a sprinkling of new tunes, which this year include a very special piece we’ve been asked to put together for a national RNLI project. We’ll explain more when we see you.
We’ve got a new member of the crew, Marianne, so come up and say hello to her – she’s Canadian so of course she’s lovely.
And we’ll have a new monkey stick (possibly, if it’s ready in time) because the last one died at our St Andrew’s gig. Mike B’s still in mourning.
Where to catch us this year
We’ve got 18 (!) Mondays ahead of us throughout summer. As usual, we’ll be alternating between the St Annes Boathouse and Lytham Mussel Tanks (or the Lytham boathouse if it’s wet), but the schedule always gets a bit wonky around Lytham Festival time, so to make sure you’re always in the right place, find the full schedule here:
Free open rehearsals – summer 2026 programme
We do lots of other gigs throughout the year, and this year there are loads of other places you can catch us, including another date back at Lowther’s Chapman Theatre on 19 November.
Find all our other upcoming shanty gigs here
And finally…
If you haven’t been to our Monday night shows before, a few things to know …
- These are our open rehearsals – ad hoc and a bit unpolished, but it keeps things spontaneous. If you have a request, shout it at us on the night or get in touch here.
- They’re outdoor – and we’re on an exposed coast, so always keep a coat and blanket close at hand!
- They’re FREE – but we ask that you make a donation to the RNLI by card or cash. Everything we raise on our Monday nights goes to the RNLI.
- Every show starts at 7.30pm. Finish time depends on light, weather, and whether you’re starting to turn blue. It’s usually around an hour.
- We’ve got very limited seating at St Annes boathouse and the Mussel Tanks, and none at the Lytham boathouse. If you want to be sure of a seat, please bring your own.
- Please don’t park outside the boathouses. There’s loads of nearby free parking after 6pm at both locations.
- Yes, you can bring your picnic, your fish and chips, your well-behaved dog, and your well-behaved kids/partners/parents.
- Please join in!